Our dog won't stop barking

[mattie]

We have a 14 month old Cairn terrier, male. He is a lovely little dog, very clever.

He has been well socialised with other dogs, been to puppy classes so is lead trained, will sit, wait etc.

But, he won't stop barking in the house.

If someone walks passed the house with a dog he barks, but he is still barking 5 minutes later and he won't stop.

He barks at anything on the telly, not just animals, anything.

We have tried all the recommended methods but nothing works.

There are times when you need to get on with jobs in the house and can't play with him, so any suggestions will be gratefully received

[angry2008]

I had this problem with my jack russel. He had been abused by previous owners and was pretty much scared of a pin dropping so i too had to listen to none stop barking. The only thing I can advise you to do is ignore the dog, if the dog sees that your not interested he will eventually give up. But shouting at the dog or expressing the fact he's annoying the hell out of you won't work. I walked away from him and left the room silently. Now hes quieyt most the time but still barks when someone walks past the window, but most dogs do.

[thugulike]

I had a deaf dog who barked when outside, much to my neighbours annoyance. Glasgow University Vet School recommended a collar which had a box attached. The box had a lemon scented spray inside and was operated remotely. When she barked I would press the remote and a spray would be emitted. It was like a magic wand. She stopped barking very quickly and wore the collar when outside until she died although we hadn't refilled it for many years. Her attitude would change when she saw the collar. It was really effective. Expensive but worth it. I think the price has now decreased.

[carmalee]

you say you've tried most of the recommended methods so how about teaching him to 'speak' on command - I do know this method has been successful with some dogs. only reward him when you have given the command and he barks. totally ignore all other times - this involves not even giving eye contact, just turn around and walk away very calmly. it may help initially if you are able to restrict him to somewhere with little distractions but realise this may be difficult. would also stronly recommend upping his exercise considerably - terriers are little powerhouses as you well know!

[carmalee]

you say you've tried most of the recommended methods so how about teaching him to 'speak' on command - I do know this method has been successful with some dogs. only reward him when you have given the command and he barks. totally ignore all other times - this involves not even giving eye contact, just turn around and walk away very calmly. it may help initially if you are able to restrict him to somewhere with little distractions but realise this may be difficult. would also stronly recommend upping his exercise considerably - terriers are little powerhouses as you well know he's worked out that barking gets your attention.